Lymphology
Read expert articles, clinical research, and training insights on Lymphology from Moving Lymph.
Why does MLD have such a profound effect on the Autonomic Nervous System?
Almost 50 years ago Prof. Dr. Paul Hutzschenreuter measured the effect of Dr Vodder's MLD on the sympathetic nervous system, noting a significant reduction in sympathetic activity within 5 minutes of beginning the MLD treatment. He coined the term sympatholytic which is now commonly used in lymphology.
Is it really fibrosis? Or is it thixotropic tissue change?
I had an email recently from a therapist who described her client as having deep pitting oedema and heavy fibrosis. Technically this is not possible. If the tissue is truly fibrotic then it really doesn't pit much any more. But in many ways they look and feel the same. So what is the difference and how can you tell ...
lymph-angiogenesis
Initial lymph vessels and interstitium should not be thought of as separate entities, rather as a continuum responding primarily to mechanical forces. lymph-angiogenesis
Lymphatic pathways, mapping your dynamic immune highway.
This post offers a brief review of the lymph pathways and a visualisation to imagine your own lymphatic system.
Lymphoscintigraphy guided MLD
It's exciting how much imaging is going on in the lymph system these days! And with this paper on lymphoscintigraphy guided MLD (1) I can see a future where we will be able to combine systems to create a 3D map of everyone's lymphatic system and know exactly where the open pathways are.
MLD for post-COVID symptoms and the ?forgotten? intercostal pathways
Intensive drainage of the intercostal pathways are used during MLD for upper torso and arm lymphoedema, and along with the bronchitis techni
MLD & the mechanics of skin-health
We can now link the very precise stretch and shear forces created by the original Dr Vodder method to the formation of new lymph vessels and the pathway of the pre-lymphatic channels, tissue healing on a molecular level and restoring the properties of the connective tissue fibres and skin-health.
The complex interactions that control lymph flow, and how Dr Vodder's MLD exploits them
A variety of intrinsic and extrinsic forces act in a co-ordinated way to maintain a constant lymph flow. New insights into how specific factors may be at play in different tissues and body regions, provides a neat connection to how MLD is applied, and the pronounced effect we see on lymph flow as a result.
'Tis the Season to Be Jolly: Why Laughing is Good for Your Lymphatic System
The idea that simple actions such as talking, shouting, singing , laughing, crying, sighing and yawning can influence our physical health dates back to the 19th century, and Harry Campbell’s observations published in the The Lancet in 1897 laid the groundwork for understanding how these actions affect circulation.
Lymphatic endothelial cells, so much more to know!
The study looked at how the lymphatic endothelia cells behave when there is tissue hypoxia, so there are three interesting things here. How
Why MLD should be started as early as possible.
There's nothing quite so satisfying as reading a well written paper which summarises everything interesting that we know about the lymph system. In this regard, the recent paper by Weber et al (1) is a good read for anyone fascinated by lymphatics, regardless of academic ability. Personally I can't help but make connections with the descriptions given, and what I know about lymphatic physiology and the effects of MLD. It's also very affirming when new understandings in lymphology, support the b
Brain inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. Can MLD prevent progression?
Cerebral spinal fluid (CFS) is sometimes referred to as a 3rd circulation system, functioning as the lymphatic equivalent to clear wastes fr
Breaking the Cycle of Inflammation with MLD, Effective Drug-free Therapy for Symptom Management in MCAS.
Explore how Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is influenced by environmental factors and how Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) helps reduce inflammation and manage symptoms effectively.
How do new discoveries in lymphology influence our clinical practice?
Across two decades of teaching therapists how to interact with lymphatics through MLD and Lymph Taping, I have witnessed an explosion in research on lymphatic function and disease.Some observed truths have been completely reversed,like the advice around exercise for people affected by lymphedema. Once it was shown that any post-exercise swelling is temporary, and that overall people who exercise have better lymphedema outcomes than those who don't, our advice did a big 180 turn from don’t overlo
Does MLD make you sick?
A long time ago I made the mistake of watching some YouTube videos purporting to teach Dr Vodder's MLD and was quite disturbed by the number of chats insisting that you should feel nauseous or ill somehow after lymph drainage. There was even an insistence in some comments that it hasn't worked unless you feel dreadful. This is the exact opposite of what I have learned and observed in nearly 25 years of performing MLD. If you are receiving Dr Vodder's MLD you should not have headache or nausea
AromaticaLymphatica: A Synergistic Blending of Ancient Remedies and Modern Lymphology.
"AromaticaLymphatica" is the modern synthesis of ancient aromatic arts, with advances in lymphology, to maximise the synergistic potential and create next level Lymphatic Therapy.
Using Guided Meditation to Embody Lymphatic Anatomy and Improve Clinical Clarity.
For students of lymphatic therapies, mapping the vessel pathways can feel like navigating a shapeshifting landscape. Guided meditation focuses on inner sensation and perception to assimilate two dimensional, text-based descriptions, and internalise the lymph vessels and pathways using you own body as a reference map. Research shows these exercises do more than aid learning, they can reduce study-related stress and lead to increased clinical confidence and observation skills.
Pain, Itch, and Inflammation; Why You Want to Scratch that Healing Scar
It's natural for us to touch, hug and stroke those we love. These caring actions don't just maintain our social networks, they are rooted in biological processes which ensure the skin remains healthy, and that immune reactions favour would healing and tissue repair. Recent research has illuminated the role of itch in the context of immune function, lymph formation, wound healing, and connective tissue homeostasis
Revised Starling Equilibrium and the Endothelial Glycocalyx: Why Are We Still Getting This Wrong?
Groundbreaking evidence that changed our fundamental understanding of fluid dynamics at the capillary was published in 1999 (1), However, the 'old' model, where most interstitial fluid was thought to be resorbed at the venous end of the capillary, is still being taught in most lymphatic programs, and even Chat GPT gets it wrong! This post reviews the Starling Equilibrium and the Endothelial Glycocalyx and highlights the importance of understanding fluid dynamics in lymphedema management.
The Cost of NOT doing MLD in Phase 2 Lymphoedema Management.
Learn why skipping Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) during lymphedema maintenance incurs a hidden cost on quality of life and symptom control. We analyze peer-reviewed evidence to show MLD's active role in promoting lymph flow, the need for continuous professional support, and tailored solutions for complex cases like leg lymphedema.
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